Page 11 - Reaching New Heights - volume 7 issue 1

FAcT

The Transition of

Training at Southport

The implementation of the Future Aircrew Training Contract (or, simply “FAcT”) at Southport is well on its way
to actualization in the coming years. This Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) flight training contract is planned to
replace the existing Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) contract that is set to expire in 2027.

With just three short years until contract commencement, Southport anticipates a significant transition
phase to be unfolded in the coming years. Stay tuned for the following developments:

NEW NEW

NEW
SAME

The FAcT Contract has Primarily, the new
distinct requirements contract will introduce
compared to the current new faces to Southport
marks 100 years of service for the Royal Canadian Air program which will spanning across
Force (RCAF) as a distinct military element. likely require additional program setup, support
spaces, the construction and administrative
of new buildings, services, instruction,
The RCAF was formed on April 1, 1924. The Base, which was part of the British and new equipment Modern training and amongst the Even amidst change,
It had three components – a full-time permanent Commonwealth Air Training Plan, became installations at
force (regular force), a part-time non-permanent inactive after the Second World War. measures require student body. the essence of
force (air reserve), and a reserve of non-active the Southport modern simulation Southport remains
personnel. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) expanded Airport (CYPG). and aircraft solutions the same: you can
and RCAF Station Portage La Prairie was In 1992, Southport focused on aviation – expect a new fleet of expect the same level
No non-permanent units were created at that reactivated in 1952, establishing No. 2 Advanced training because of the initial Canadian simulators and aircraft of professionalism
time as the funding was not available. The Flying School (No. 2 AFS) to train RCAF and Forces contract with Bombardier for a
RCAF was not an independent organization as NATO pilots. The station was renamed Canadian multi-year military flight-training program. at Southport for the and service that the
it reported to the Chief of the General Staff, the Forces Base (CFB) Portage la Prairie in 1966 Then in 2005, the training focus continued upcoming contract; community has come
head of the Canadian Militia (the name of the and employed 800-900 military and civilian when Southport entered a new training contract some of which may to expect of Southport
Canadian Army at the time). The RCAF was personnel while operating as a military air with Allied Wings for 20 years. be visiting the site and the local RCAF
now a full-time organization with its own orders: base. Then in 1988, the Federal Government over the course of training program.
the King’s Regulations and Orders for the Royal announced it’s closure because of budget cuts The RCAF holds incredible importance for
Canadian Air Force and the Pay and Allowance in the Department of National Defence (DND). Southport, as both an organization and a site. the coming years.
Regulations for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Without the RCAF, Southport as it stands today
Although its role did include the defence of In 1990, the Government announced that would not exist. Their strong and consistent
Canada, this role would take a back seat to flying CFB Portage la Prairie would be an ideal presence in Southport continues with 3
operations performed for other government site for flight training to continue after Canadian Forces Training School (3CFFTS),
departments. privatization. The corporation would be dedicated to training military students in the
called Southport Aerospace Centre Inc. community. Here's to a century of excellence
RCAF Expands to Southport and operate with a Board membership and service! Southport Aerospace Centre and KF Aerospace (part of the SkyAlyne team for the FAcT contract)
Southport was originally opened in 1940 as No. formed of a mix of provincial, community and
14 Elementary Flying Training School. business leaders. will continue to support the RCAF and the Portage la Prairie region with careers, economic impact,
10 | Southport: Reaching New Heights10 | Southport: Reaching New Heights and a contribution to the fabric of this community for many years to come!
11 | Southport: Reaching New Heights